Cabin camping near Hope, Idaho provides access to the Kootenai National Forest region with elevations ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 feet. The area experiences warm, dry summers with temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak season from June through August. Winter snow typically limits access to many cabin facilities between November and April, though some remain open year-round with modified services.
What to do
Hiking near Ross Creek Cedars: Access the ancient growth forest from Kootenai River Campground, where visitors recommend exploring the unique ecosystem. "At their recommendation visited both the Kootenai Falls and Ross Creek Cedars, both very fun and memorable experiences for us and our toddler," notes a camper who appreciated the staff guidance.
Water activities on Mirror Lake: The fishing and swimming opportunities provide recreation during summer months. "The dock is fantastic and the fishing is top notch," reports one visitor to Mirror Lake: Bigfoot Campout, who also noted it's "just far enough away to feel secluded but not too far that it's hard to get to."
Wildlife observation at Libby Dam: Approximately 30 minutes from Hope, the dam offers opportunities to view eagles and other wildlife. A visitor mentioned, "We sat on the tailgate eating lunch and watched eagles soaring and fishing on the bottom side of the dam," making it a worthwhile side trip when staying at cabin accommodations in the region.
What campers like
Private lakeside accommodations: Blue Lake RV Resort offers cabin options with water access. A reviewer notes, "We got a spot beside the lake. Mark at the front desk and wine bar was very nice. We paddle boarded and swam the next day," highlighting the direct lake access available from some cabins.
Quiet forest settings: Many cabins feature wooded surroundings that provide a sense of seclusion. "Great and private spots. Close to the road but very little traffic at night. Excellent tables and forests plus a nice pit toilet set up," commented a camper about the natural setting of cabin areas.
Historic accommodations: Some cabins feature unique historical significance. At Bull River Guard Station, a visitor appreciated the "Cozy little cabin type that fits a family of 4 perfectly. Right by the Bull River with great fishing and fly fishing areas and swimming in the Bull River." Another noted the "History galore in the building and surrounding areas."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to some cabins requires navigating unpaved roads. A visitor to the area noted roads to higher-elevation cabins can be challenging: "The road up to the lookout is pretty rough and wouldn't recommend it in a car." Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for accessing more remote cabin locations.
Reservation requirements: Most cabins book quickly during summer months, with some requiring reservations up to 6 months in advance. At Camp Coeur D Alene, visitors recommend booking early: "We were lucky enough to land the island campground which made the whole experience amazing!" The most sought-after cabin locations fill up first.
Facility differences: Amenities vary widely between properties. Some offer basic accommodations while others provide expanded services. A reviewer at Camp Coeur D Alene explained, "This place has great amenities (free canoes, hot showers, flush toilets, free firewood) which made it the nicest campground I had been to for awhile."
Wildlife presence: Cabins in the region often have animal visitors. Bears, deer, and smaller mammals are common, particularly during spring and summer months. Proper food storage is essential at all cabin locations, with metal lockers available at some properties.
Tips for camping with families
Lake amenities for children: Thousand Trails Little Diamond provides scheduled activities for younger visitors. "They have daily activities if you want to keep busy or keep the kids busy. The pool is wonderful along with a huge hot tub. They stock the lake with fish, so fishing is awesome!" reported a family who visited during summer.
Rental equipment availability: Several locations offer boat rentals and recreational gear. "They have paddle boats, kayaks, paddle boards and a floating trampoline. The little lake is full of catfish and turtles that you can feed," noted a visitor to Blue Lake RV Resort.
Safety considerations: When selecting cabin camping locations with children, review safety features like railings and water access. A parent staying with young children mentioned, "If you are camping with kids the spots closer to the playground equipment are perfect," highlighting the importance of cabin proximity to amenities.
Indoor alternatives: Weather in northern Idaho can change rapidly, making indoor options important for families. Several cabin locations provide covered porches or common areas for rainy days. A family noted, "My two year old son didn't settle for bed easily when camping. I ended up in hotels a couple nights, just because I didn't want to bother the other campers."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Utilities differ between cabin camping locations. A visitor to Thousand Trails Little Diamond observed, "Very few of the KOA campsites have sewer hook ups. There are dump sites available. There is also a mobile pumpout service available if you want to pay for it."
Site positioning: Some cabins offer better layout than others for larger vehicles or additional tents. An RVer noted, "The sites are gravel, somewhat level and size/length varies, a few pull throughs, our 37ft 5ver had no problem."
Seasonal accessibility: Many cabins near Hope have restricted winter access. Some roads remain unplowed through winter months, limiting cabin availability from November through April. Check ahead when planning non-summer visits as many facilities close seasonally.
